28
June
2017
|
14:08 PM
America/Los_Angeles

Bechtel steps up to help Tri-Cities build performing arts center

Summary

With a donation of $30,000 to help build the Vista Arts Center, Bechtel is demonstrating its commitment to transform the Tri-Cities through a performing and visual arts center.

Posted with permission of the Arts Center Task Force.

For Immediate Release 
Date 6/28/2017
Bechtel Steps Up to Help Tri-Cities Build Performing Arts Center

With a donation of $30,000 to help build the Vista Arts Center, Bechtel National, Inc., is demonstrating its commitment to transform the Tri-Cities through a performing and visual arts center.  

“Bechtel has been a part of the Tri-Cities community for more than 40 years. We believe the arts are a key component of a culturally vibrant community, and we want to invest in its future,” said Peggy McCullough, Bechtel National, Inc. senior vice president. “The arts spark creativity and innovation and bridge time and distance.” 

A recent branding survey that identified the need for a performing arts center in the Tri-Cities gave Bechtel the added incentive to donate. 

Julie Wiley, Fundraising Chair for the Vista Arts Center, said the non-profit Arts Center Task Force is depending on businesses such as Bechtel and individuals within the community to step up to the challenge of funding the Center through donations and grants. “Unlike other entertainment proposals that have come before the community, we are not seeking sales or property tax increases,” Wiley affirmed. “Therefore, it’s critical that the community step up if they want to make the Vista Arts Center a reality. The Task Force appreciates Bechtel’s vision and commitment to the arts, and we ask other businesses and individuals to step up and follow their example.”

Vista Arts Center is planned to have an 800-seat theatre with full acoustics and technical support, an art gallery, and a multipurpose room that can serve as a smaller performance venue, meeting space, or education space. The Center will be located at the heart of the Vista Field Redevelopment Project and is envisioned as a catalyst for further development of the area as an urban center for the region and an arts and entertainment district.

The Vista Arts Center will benefit the Tri-Cities through economic development, tourism, recruitment and retention of a vibrant workforce, educational opportunities for all ages, and a home for the area’s performing and visual artists. Additionally, it will serve mid-sized touring groups who want a more intimate performing venue.

Bechtel is among the initial Capital Club donors to the Vista Arts Center building project. “The Capital Club recognizes donations of $20,000 or more. Donors also have the opportunity to secure naming rights to the Center and its components,” said Wiley.

Contacts:
Kathryn Lang, Arts Center Task Force 
Email: kslang@frontier.com
Telephone: 509-375-3474, 509-521-1863 mobile

Staci West, Communications Manager, Bechtel National Inc. 
Email: sawest@bechtel.com
Telephone: 509-371-5740